There are only about 2000 to 3000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the U.S. every year. It makes up only 3% off all the cancers that are diagnosed. Men are four times more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. The types of malignant mesothelioma in order of incidence are pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. The three most common types will be discussed here.

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, where the cancer develops in the membrane lining the lungs called the pleura. There is also peritoneal mesothelioma, cancer that develops on the lining of the abdominal cavity. And there is pericardial mesothelioma, cancer that develops on the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are a dry or raspy cough that does not go away. An individual may cough up blood and find it difficult to swallow. Night sweats and fevers are a sign of mesothelioma. If someone loses 10% or more of their weight for no obvious reason, mesothelioma is one possible explanation. People who have mesothelioma are often fatigues, their chest and ribs hurt making breathing painful, and they may be short of breath even when they are not exerting themselves. Lumps may appear under the skin of the chest.

With peritoneal mesothelioma, night sweats and fevers, fatigue, unexplained weight loss can occur in as with pleural mesothelioma. Abdominal pain and swelling, anemia, diarrhea or constipation, nausea or vomiting, and subcutaneous lumps are all signs of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma can manifest as heart palpitation and arrhythmias. Like pleural mesothelioma, difficulty breathing even when not exerting oneself can be observed. And like pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, fatigue, fever, and night sweats are symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma as well.